Arkansas nonprofit gives $1,600 scholarships to single parents

TEXARKANA/HOPE. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is now accepting applications for its Fall 2025 scholarships, providing financial support and career development resources for single parents pursuing higher education.

Since 1990, the nonprofit has provided over $50 million in scholarships to help single parents access education and career opportunities. The organization’s mission is to end single-parent poverty through higher education and multi-generational empowerment.

Starting Friday, August 1, single parents can apply online at aspsf.org/apply for scholarships worth up to $1,600. The application deadline is Monday, September 1.

The scholarships are designed to help recipients cover real-life expenses, such as rent, childcare, gas, and groceries while attending school. ASPSF offers mentoring, career coaching, and workshops to help parents juggle academics, work, and parenting responsibilities.

“This program is such a blessing,” said Summer 2025 scholarship recipient Ariel Ford of Miller County. “Being a single parent is tough. Not everyone has support, but thanks to you, I do.”

Eligible applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and be working towards a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree that leads to a family-supporting career. Applicants must also be enrolled in at least one three-credit course, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, meet low to moderate income requirements, and fully participate in ASPSF programming.

ASPSF awarded more than 800 scholarships totaling $1.1 million in the past year.

A full list of eligibility criteria is available at aspsf.org/eligibility. Scholarships are awarded three times a year for spring, summer, and fall semesters.